Born To Excell made his new owners proud when he won them their first AQHA world champoinship.

Born To Excell lived up to his name November 17 when he was named 2007 world champion aged gelding.

The 4-year-old sorrel by Excelebration out of Jamas by Opposition handed his new owner Gina Query her first gold trophy.

“I was stressed and very excited all at the same time,” she said of watching Steve Ferguson line up with her gelding under the five judges. “It’s very exciting. We’ve been looking for two years for the right horse.”

They definitely found one in Born To Excell, whom Gina purchased at the end of August.

“We first saw him, we had pictures sent, then we looked at him three times and bought him the last time we were in Texas,” the Terre Haute, Indiana, owner said.

“He actually belongs to my son,” she explained. “In heart.”

Her son, 14-year-old Casey, started showing in 4-H when he was 9. In 2004 he was the 11-and-under Justin Rookie of the Year. Gina said he will show Born To Excell next year and plans to qualify for the Ford AQHYA World Championship Show.

Gina can't remember how her family became interested in halter horses.

“I’m not really sure,” she said. “I have always liked the grooming side of it, to make them look pretty, and I think that might be the beginning.”

Born To Excell stayed in Texas with trainer Steve Ferguson after Gina bought him, but he’s headed to his new home for the first time when the World Show comes to an end.

“He’ll be in Illinois with (Team Wrangler member) Chris Arentsen,” Gina said. “I just thank both him and Steve Ferguson for getting this horse for us.”